I would add ‘a day at a time.’ I’ve known many people, young and old, in my AA circles over the years trying the ‘easier, softer way’ by using for-profit ‘recovery’ plans, other AA alternatives that basically advocate controlled drinking, continued pot use and relying on fellow enablers to, in effect, continue using mind altering substances. These poor folks are all chronic relapsers.

Over and over again we welcome them back, heads hung low, knowing they’ll do it all over again once the memories of their degradation fade and their unreconciled problems seep back into their consciousness. We always welcome them back as we don’t shoot our wounded. Some do eventually find long term recovery if they work the program. Some die.

The Big Book destroys the fantasy of controlled drinking/drug use by addicts head on, “Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real alcoholics. … The idea that somehow, someday he/she will control and enjoy his drinking is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death.”

When I first read these words in 1986 a chill ran down my back because I knew the book was talking about me. Then I thought, ‘I do not want to be one of those people falling toward ‘the gates of insanity or death.’ I’ve remained close to AA ever since and have received long-term sobriety.

Most folks know if you are serious about recovery you go to AA and work the program. It’s worked for countless millions for nearly 100 years.